Driving with hay fever: Advice, whatever the pollen count

Hay fever. For the non-sufferers among you, may seem like the odd sneeze here, the occasional scratchy throat there, and not much more.

But, for you hay fever sufferers out there, you know just how bad it can be. The pressure in your head, the sore eyes… we won’t go into more detail.

When that pesky pollen count gets high, it can make everyday tasks much more difficult; driving included. Thankfully, the team over at IAM RoadSmart have put together some handy advice for hay fever sufferers getting out on the road.

So, take that antihistamine (non-drowsy might we add) and read on.

Give dust the vacuum treatmentThe first step is to take the fight directly to dust and pollen. Get the vacuum out and give all your carpets and upholstery a good once-over. Dust and pollen can easily get caught inside the car, which can set off your allergies every time you drive.

Also, check if you can get a pollen filter for your car. And if you already have one, double check it works.

Don’t forget to give your vents a good blow to clear out any dust that’s stored inside.

Say no to windowsThe outside world is a pollen-filled horror show, not to put it too melodramatically. So, keep your windows shut at all times. To keep your car cool as the weather warms, use your air-con, but make sure it’s set to recycle to fight pollen levels inside your vehicle.

Take non-drowsy medicationNot all antihistamines are the same. If your hay fever is so bad that you require medication, and you know you need to drive, make sure you get non-drowsy tablets. Driving drowsy is dangerous, and is never worth the risk.

Stock up on tissuesYou probably have tissues on hand at all times anyway, but make sure there’s a stash in your car that’s easy to access. Be sure you can grab them without having to take your eyes off the road.

IAM RoadSmart also suggests a few dabs of Vaseline inside your nose to help stop pollen. Just, try and get it up there sneakily…

Slow down if you sense a sneeze comingIf you can feel a sneeze coming, slow down and leave plenty of space between you and the car in front. If you suffer from slightly more intense sneezing fits, try and stop the car completely if it’s safe to.

Always carry sunglassesWhile the British weather will always be temperamental, sunglasses are certainly a worthy investment in the fight against pollen. While they can help relieve pain in your eyes, make sure any sunglasses you wear do not impact your vision when driving.

If your symptoms are on the extreme end, driving may not be safe at all. However, the advice above may be able to help you get on the road, whatever the pollen count.

You can count on it.

Do you have any top tips to help fight off hay fever symptoms? We want to know!

1 Comment

Local honey! In addition to the over the counter treatments it really does help – also if you’ve been outside on a high pollen count day, a shower washes off all the pollen that would otherwise cause you an uncomfortable night – and I live right on the edge of a huge field…